Cortland Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cortland has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, technology, marketing, human resources, and operations.

Driven by innovation, Cortland is dedicated to revolutionizing the multifamily real estate sector through integrated design, construction, and management services, fostering sustainable growth and exceptional resident experiences globally.

Leadership Roles at Cortland

  • Chief Executive Officer - Stephen DeFrancis
  • Owner & Chief Executive Officer - Mike Levy
  • Chief Financial Officer - Sandra Kim
  • Executive Business Partner To the President - Karen Sheldon
  • President - Pete Koelle
  • Chief Technology Officer - Scott Moore
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Carol Hoeller
  • Director, Strategic Project Implementation & Chief of Staff - Grace Brandes
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Kevin Ingham
  • Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff - Thomas Kramer
  • Stephen DeFrancis - Chief Executive Officer

    Stephen DeFrancis, the Chief Executive Officer at Cortland, directs the overarching corporate strategy and operational framework for the global multifamily real estate investment firm. DeFrancis guides the company's expansion and market positioning, ensuring alignment with Cortland's mission of delivering exceptional resident experiences and sustainable growth. Overseeing all major business units, the Chief Executive Officer drives innovation in proprietary design and supply chain management. This leadership role involves fostering key stakeholder relationships and championing the company's integrated approach to construction, property, and facilities management. Stephen DeFrancis ensures the firm's continued success by adapting to evolving market dynamics and maintaining a strong focus on operational excellence across all global operations.

    Mike Levy - Owner & Chief Executive Officer

    Mike Levy, the Owner & Chief Executive Officer at Cortland, holds ultimate responsibility for the firm's strategic direction and ownership structure. Levy guides the company's long-term vision, focusing on sustained value creation and market leadership within the global multifamily real estate sector. As Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Levy oversees the integration of Cortland's proprietary design, construction, and management services, ensuring a cohesive and efficient operational model. This executive position involves cultivating a culture of excellence and innovation, driving the company's commitment to superior resident experiences. Mike Levy's leadership ensures Cortland's continued growth and its robust presence in key international markets.

    Sandra Kim - Chief Financial Officer

    Sandra Kim, the Chief Financial Officer at Cortland, manages the company's financial health and strategic investment planning. Kim oversees all fiscal operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital allocation, ensuring robust financial performance for the global multifamily real estate firm. The Chief Financial Officer plays a critical part in securing funding and managing investor relations, directly supporting Cortland's expansion initiatives and proprietary development projects. This role involves optimizing financial strategies to enhance profitability and mitigate risk across diverse international markets. Sandra Kim's expertise drives financial discipline and supports the company's commitment to sustainable growth and operational efficiency.
    Sandra Kim

    Karen Sheldon - Executive Business Partner To the President

    Karen Sheldon, the Executive Business Partner To the President at Cortland, provides comprehensive support to the President, managing key administrative and strategic functions. Sheldon optimizes the President's schedule and workflow, ensuring efficient operations and effective decision-making. The Executive Business Partner To the President facilitates communication between the President and various departments, driving project coordination and information flow. This role is critical in supporting the President's leadership in overseeing Cortland's global multifamily real estate operations. Karen Sheldon's dedication ensures seamless execution of strategic priorities and contributes to the company's overall success.

    Pete Koelle - President

    Pete Koelle, the President at Cortland, directs the company's extensive operational activities and strategic growth initiatives. Koelle oversees the day-to-day management of Cortland's global multifamily real estate portfolio, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services and resident satisfaction. The President plays a crucial role in integrating the firm's proprietary design, construction, property, and facilities management services to maximize efficiency and value. This leadership position involves driving operational excellence and fostering a culture of continuous improvement across all business units. Pete Koelle's leadership ensures Cortland maintains its market-leading position and commitment to innovation.

    Scott Moore - Chief Technology Officer

    Scott Moore, the Chief Technology Officer at Cortland, leads the company's technological infrastructure and digital transformation efforts. Moore directs the development and implementation of innovative technology solutions that enhance Cortland's proprietary design, construction, and property management services. The Chief Technology Officer ensures the seamless integration of digital tools across all operational facets, improving efficiency and resident experience. This executive position involves safeguarding data security and leveraging technology to drive competitive advantage in the global real estate market. Scott Moore's strategic vision propels Cortland's technological advancement, supporting its mission of operational excellence and market leadership.

    Carol Hoeller - Chief Marketing Officer

    Carol Hoeller, the Chief Marketing Officer at Cortland, shapes the company's brand identity and market outreach strategies. Hoeller directs all marketing initiatives, focusing on enhancing Cortland's reputation and driving resident engagement across its global portfolio. The Chief Marketing Officer oversees market research, digital marketing campaigns, and brand communications, ensuring consistent messaging and strong market presence. This role is pivotal in translating Cortland's commitment to exceptional resident experiences into compelling market narratives. Carol Hoeller's leadership ensures effective communication of the company's value proposition, supporting sustained growth and market penetration.
    Carol Hoeller

    Grace Brandes - Director, Strategic Project Implementation & Chief of Staff

    Grace Brandes, the Director, Strategic Project Implementation & Chief of Staff at Cortland, manages critical strategic initiatives and provides high-level operational support. Brandes oversees the execution of key projects, ensuring alignment with Cortland's overall business objectives and timelines. The Director, Strategic Project Implementation & Chief of Staff facilitates cross-departmental collaboration, streamlining processes and enhancing operational efficiency across the global firm. This position involves driving project success from conception through completion, ensuring resources are effectively allocated. Grace Brandes's role is crucial in translating strategic plans into tangible outcomes, supporting the company's commitment to innovation and excellence.

    Kevin Ingham - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Kevin Ingham, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Cortland, leads the company's talent management and organizational development strategies. Ingham oversees all human resources functions, including recruitment, employee relations, compensation, and benefits, ensuring a high-performing and engaged workforce. The Chief Human Resources Officer cultivates a positive corporate culture that supports Cortland's mission of fostering exceptional resident experiences and employee growth. This executive role is vital in attracting and retaining top talent across the company's global operations. Kevin Ingham's leadership ensures Cortland's human capital strategy aligns with its business objectives, driving organizational success.

    Thomas Kramer - Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff

    Thomas Kramer, the Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff at Cortland, spearheads the implementation of complex strategic projects and provides executive-level operational guidance. Kramer directs project teams, ensuring the successful delivery of initiatives that enhance Cortland's integrated real estate services. The Senior Director, Strategic Projects & Chief of Staff acts as a key liaison between leadership and operational teams, driving efficiency and fostering effective communication. This role involves identifying opportunities for process improvement and supporting the company's growth objectives across its international portfolio. Thomas Kramer's contributions are essential to executing Cortland's strategic vision and maintaining operational excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cortland Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cortland?
    Cortland is led by Stephen DeFrancis (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Mike Levy (Owner & Chief Executive Officer) and Sandra Kim (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Cortland’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cortland includes leaders such as Stephen DeFrancis (Chief Executive Officer), Mike Levy (Owner & Chief Executive Officer), Sandra Kim (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cortland have?
    Cortland has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cortland’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cortland includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Owner & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Business Partner To the President, President.